by Kamala on June 27, 2012
Safe Food Mela was hosted by prominent organic outlets, organic farmer groups, safe food campaigners at Semmozhi Poonga (formerly known as Woodlands Drive-in), Chennai on 24 June 2012. The aim of the mela was to create awareness on 
- uses of organic foods including fresh greens, vegetables, fruits.
- availability of traditional rice, millets.
- kitchen, terrace, urban gardening.
- pesticides used in our food and the side effects caused.
- Genetically Modified foods.
Some of the Safe Food campaigners are: India for Safe Food, Safe Food Alliance, ASHA (Alliance for Sustainable & Holistic Agriculture).
Here are some photographs of the Safe Food Mela.
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by Kamala on April 27, 2012
Thakkali Thokku is a typical Indian pickle/chutney/spread. It goes well with rice, roti, idli, dosa, bread and so on. As a spread this suits to all Indian food as a side dish. I prepare this mostly when tomatoes are available at lesser price during the season. This can be preserved in refrigerator for 2 to 3 weeks. Without refrigeration this has to be consumed within a week.
Tomato is known as Thakkali (தக்காளி) in Tamil.
Ingredients
- Tomato (sour variety) – 12 no
- Green chilli – 15 no (adjust as per need)
- Asafetida powder – half teaspoon
- Turmeric powder – quarter teaspoon
- Tamarind paste – quarter teaspoon
- Sugar – 1 teaspoon
- Pickle powder – 1 tablespoon (one teaspoon fenugreek, half teaspoon each of cumin and mustard; all roasted and powdered)
- Salt – as per need
- For seasoning
- Mustard – 1 teaspoon
- Curry leaves – few
- Sesame oil – 5 tablespoon
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by Kamala on March 31, 2012
Custard is a simple, easy to prepare dessert. The fruit custard is a less-fat, milk based healthy dessert. It tastes divine in summer, as it is chilled and served. Everyone including children likes this custard.
As custard powder is readily available in market in different flavors, it can be prepared easily at home at short notice. Other ingredients like milk, sugar and fruits (better to use seasonal fruits) are generally available at home.
Ingredients
- Milk – 500 ml
- Sugar – 4 tablespoon or as per need
- Custard powder – 3 tablespoon
- Chopped pistachio – 1 tablespoon
- Chopped apple – half cup
- Pomegranate – half cup
- Chopped papaya – half cup
- Chopped water melon – 2 tablespoon
- Seedless black grapes – 20 to 25 no
- Banana (ripe) – 1 no
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